Watershed Management and Water Supply Services in the Buea Municipality

Over the last decade, the town of Buea-Cameroon has been experiencing rapid population growth, unsustainable agricultural development and poor waste management practices which are significantly affecting watershed resources and water supply. In an attempt to better understand the Buea situation, a field survey was organised to appreciate the state of water supply infrastructure, water source management practices, and consumers’ perspective of the quality of water supply services. Household questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and a roundtable policy dialogue were used to collect data on the gravity of the crisis, coping strategies and current policy initiatives. Our preliminary findings show that there is lack of awareness, lack of strategic local partnership and the lack of participatory stakeholder governance to effectively address watershed issues for improved water supply. This study has identified the need for collaborative platforms in water management to promote awareness and linkages between population growth, economic development, watershed activities, capacity building and poverty alleviation.